Rudeus and Elinalise reach Rapan and soon reunite with Paul, only to learn that a deadly labyrinth has claimed both Zenith and Roxy. The fruits of Rudeus's studies offer a last, faint hope to reach his mother and his mentor in time.

The rescue party reaches the heart of the Teleporter Labyrinth and confronts its guardian. But when the monster shrugs off Rudeus's magic, they realize they may have bitten off more than they can chew.